Sydney Weaver meets a few new friends at Alabar Farms. Photo by facebook.com/roadtripswithsydney
Having inspired many with her love for the trots Sydney Weaver has spread that sporting joy throughout Australia’s harness community in a whirlwind tour.
The Canadian trots owner has toured major race days, sales, studs and trainers’ farms across a classic few weeks that will culminate at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night for the all-trotting card.
“But we aren’t going to talk about having to leave because it makes me sad,” Sydney said. “Everyone has been so good out here.”
VIDEO: MEET SYDNEY WEAVER
Sydney, who writes for harnesslink.com, has been a guest of Alan Galloway and Brett Coffey of Alabar Farms, a friendship forged from a chance meeting on foreign soil.
“I met Alan Galloway in Ireland at the Vincent Delaney Memorial race weekend,” Sydney said. “I chatted with him and we became friends and afterwards, once I’d got home, Alan shot me a message on Facebook and said that we’d love to have you in Australia and it snowballed from there.
“It’s my first time travelling to Australia. I didn’t know what to expect, because a lot of it was set up to be a surprise. Brett Coffey has planned it and it has been an amazing trip.”
Having arrived from Toronto on February 21, Sydney’s first taste of Australian racing was the Miracle Mile at Menangle, when she watched trots heavyweights battle in front of more than 10,000 people.
“The Miracle Mile was fantastic,” Sydney said. “The energy and passion was amazing and to see the truly great racing was incredible.”
Her trip then continued with a visit to the APG sales, to Alabar farms and to the training stables of Luke McCarthy, Emma Stewart, Anton Golino and Andy Gath.
“Going to the sales was pretty cool, to see the champs of tomorrow and to pick out a favourite or two to follow, they are all bred beautifully,” Sydney said.
“All of the(trainers’) farms have been quite impressive. It’s been cool to see how they differ.”
Ahead of a planned visit to tonight’s Lyn McPherson Memorial all-trotting card at Tabcorp Park Melton, Sydney has also been trackside at the dual codes Cranbourne Cup night and racing at Yarra Valley.
“Seeing the dual codes at Cranbourne, it was pretty interesting how they have them on the one card. That’s something we don’t have back home,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to Melton and am excited about being part of such a great event and a great night of racing.”
Sydney said the unforgettable trip would not have happened without the assistance of many.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Alabar Farms, Adam Bowden of Diamond Creek Farm in the US, Joe Bellino, Blue Chips Farms, the Art Major and Auckland Reactor syndicates and Nevele R Stud.
“What makes me want to be a part of the sport is the people, they are like family to me. All the people in the sport I’ve been lucky enough to meet have changed my life for the better.”
Media enquiries:
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)
t: 03 8378 0286 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au | tw: @MichaelRHoward